In order to initiate a lawsuit and commence the legal proceedings, the Claimant must first file a Claim Form with the court, often accompanied with a Statement of Claim. In response, the Defendant will be expected to file with the court a pleading of their own, namely, a “Defence”.

It is impossible to answer this question definitively as each lawsuit is particular. Some cases can last for several years. It is always a good option to seek alternative dispute resolution for another method of settling your case.

There are a few important questions you should ask.

First of all, do you have a valid claim? A valid claim is one where the grievance can be resolved by legal action.

Next, do you have sufficient evidence of your claim? You should objectively analyze your chances. Do you have the evidence? Witnesses?

Is your claim within the relevant limitation period? In Barbados, the law requires you to bring a suit within a certain period.

Can the lawsuit in fact solve your problem? Litigation may take years. The time, money and effort involved in a lawsuit are not always worth it.